The Whispers (Underworld 6) VK

5: Felt Like Home

Seungkwan strolled through the university campus, soaking in the new environment around him. It was still surreal that he was here, in New York, away from everything he had known back home. The bustling students, the towering buildings, and the overall energy of the place—it was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. His brother's words echoed in his mind as he walked, "Don't fall in love, university love never stays forever." Seungkwan scoffed to himself. Love was the last thing on his mind. He was here to study, make something of himself, and maybe—just maybe—have a little fun while doing it.

As he made his way across campus, something caught his eye—a bright, colorful poster pinned to a bulletin board near the student center. It was for the cheerleading team auditions. Seungkwan paused, intrigued. Back in Korea, he'd always admired the cheerleaders, their athleticism, and their ability to hype up a crowd. And of course, he knew he had the energy and charisma to be a part of it. It could be a great way to make friends and fully immerse himself in campus life.

Without thinking twice, Seungkwan approached the poster, his eyes scanning the details. The tryouts were today—he smiled. This was perfect. He could already imagine himself flipping through the air, leading the crowd in cheers, and becoming a key part of the team. Plus, he thought to himself, it'd be fun to show off a little bit. He was Boo Seungkwan, after all—full of confidence and charm. How hard could it be?

A few hours later, Seungkwan found himself at the gymnasium, surrounded by other hopefuls. The energy in the room was palpable. Some people looked nervous, others excited, and then there was Seungkwan—calm, collected, and ready to shine. He stood out, his natural charisma drawing attention even before the auditions started.

The cheerleading coach, a tall, muscular woman with an air of authority, clapped her hands, getting everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! Welcome to tryouts. Today, we'll be testing your agility, rhythm, and teamwork. I want to see confidence and enthusiasm. You're here to lead a crowd, so don't be afraid to show me what you've got!"

Seungkwan flashed a smile, confidence bubbling up inside him. The warm-up exercises began, and Seungkwan felt at ease, quickly adjusting to the pace. He noticed the other participants stealing glances his way, clearly impressed by his form and energy. He could tell that he was already making an impression.

As the auditions went on, they were divided into smaller groups for specific routines. Seungkwan found himself paired with a few others, one of whom was a boy with soft, friendly eyes and a warm smile. He introduced himself as Moonbin. There was something about his easy-going nature that put Seungkwan at ease, and the two of them quickly struck up a conversation as they waited for their turn.

"So, you've done this before?" Moonbin asked, stretching out his arms.

Seungkwan chuckled, shaking his head. "Not officially, but I've always been a performer. You?"

Moonbin grinned. "Same here. I'm a dancer, so I figured why not give this a shot? Looks like fun."

As their turn came, Seungkwan and Moonbin nailed the routine. They moved in perfect sync, their chemistry undeniable. Seungkwan's voice boomed as he called out the chants, his energy infectious, while Moonbin's fluid movements and sharp turns complimented Seungkwan's performance. The coach took notice, scribbling something on her clipboard with an approving nod.

By the end of the tryouts, Seungkwan was feeling good. He had given it his all, and he was confident that he had done enough to make the team. As everyone gathered for the final announcements, Seungkwan stood next to Moonbin, the two exchanging hopeful smiles.

The coach cleared her throat. "You all did great today, but we've only got room for a select few. If I call your name, congratulations—you've made the team. First up... Boo Seungkwan."